The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba is one of the most fascinating countries of Latin America. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites with stunning colonial architecture and old American cars cruising the streets, as well as enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery, preserved habitats and a wealth of unspoilt tropical beaches.
Cuba History
Christopher Colombus arrived at Cuban shores on October 27th, 1492. He said: "This is the most beautiful land yet seen by human eyes". Two different worlds encountered each other.
Some time later, at the beginning of the XVI century, Diego Velazquez began the colonization of the country, founding the first seven villages: Baracoa, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Puerto Príncipe (now called Camagüey) and San Cristóbal de La Habana.
When the aborigine population disappeared, due to diseases brought by the Spaniards, ill-treatment by the colonialists and exploitation as slaves, they were replaced by African negroes. After a long process of their syncretism with the Spaniards, both gave birth to the creole and the Cuban, and to the formation of the Cuban nationality.
The history of the island has been marked by constant struggle for independence, beginning on October 10th, 1868. The struggle would go through different stages: first, against the colonial power, later against direct domination by the United States and its ruling through servants and supported national governments, until its culmination with the acquisition of true independence and sovereignty with the triumph of the Revolution, on January 1st, 1959.
Capital:
Ciudad de La Habana
President:
Raúl Castro
Language:
Spanish
Opening hours for Commercial activities:
From 8:00 or 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 13:30 pm to 17:30 pm.
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